Daily Scripture
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
Romans 14:10-12
Daily Devotion
When I was a boy, a family in our church would not eat at a restaurant on Sunday. The father believed that Christians going to a restaurant on Sunday kept the waiters and cooks out of church. He never criticized others for going. He and his family just never went. I did not mind, because his wife was a marvelous cook and we were invited to their house often for Sunday afternoon meals. She would cook the food after church, so we would have to wait a little longer. However, the food and family time was worth the wait.
In this passage, Paul talks about decisions people make, like not eating at a restaurant on Sunday, that are personal convictions. These decisions are secondary issues that we might not make ourselves, but others believe it is alright for them. On the other hand, some people do things that we believe are wrong for us, but it does not harm their testimony. We might even ask the rhetorical question, “Who does that?” Well, they “do that,” and it is good for them.
The point Paul makes in this passage is that personal convictions should not harm our Christian fellowship and unity in Christ. He concludes in verses 10-12 that we stand before God for our actions. We are accountable to one another for what God has commanded, but secondary issues that God does not command are personal decisions. We should not lose fellowship over the issues and criticize our brother or sister in Christ.
We should be careful not to put expectations on people that God does not place on them. We might be convicted over issues that are directly related to our calling or way we live. However, others stand before God for their own convictions. Furthermore, we should pay close attention to the Spirit and how He wants us to live. If God places a conviction on you that is counterculture, realize that you do not stand before culture for your actions. You stand before God.
Stephen Williams
